By Lateef Ibrahim
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared its readiness for the June 20 bye-election in Ondo South Senatorial District, where 673,446 registered voters are expected to elect a new representative to the Senate.
The election follows the vacancy created by the appointment of former senator, , as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Okitipupa on Thursday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, , said all necessary preparations had been concluded for a smooth and credible poll.
According to Agboke, the Senate formally declared the seat vacant on April 28, 2026, and directed INEC to conduct a bye-election in accordance with constitutional provisions.
He disclosed that voting would take place across 1,354 polling units and 66 registration areas spread across the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district: Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Odigbo, and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo.
The REC stated that the voter register had been thoroughly verified and cleaned ahead of the election, assuring stakeholders that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise would not affect the register approved for the poll.
On logistics, Agboke revealed that non-sensitive election materials had already been distributed, while sensitive materials would be received and deployed under the supervision of political parties and security agencies to ensure transparency.
He added that INEC had tested and certified 1,359 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for the exercise, with an additional 264 backup devices reserved for emergencies.
“We want to assure all stakeholders that INEC is fully prepared for the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election. The voter register has been verified, election materials are being deployed according to schedule, and only the votes cast by the electorate will determine the winner,” he said.
The electoral umpire also appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election.
Four political parties including the APC, APM, APP and Boot Party are expected to participate in the contest to fill the vacant Senate seat.
The bye-election is one of several off-cycle polls being conducted by INEC to fill legislative vacancies across the country.
